About Us
Our Story
The High 5 Initiative is a local 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization dedicated to the preservation of our natural environment. We believe we are all a part of our environment and should have a path to do our part. We work closesly with community members, local businesses, local governments and other nonprofit organizations to have an even greater environmental impact.
So far our cleanup initiative has removed about 40,000 POUNDS of debris from rivers and riparian areas leading to the Chesapeake Bay with the help of hundreds of volunteers. We attend community functions and volunteer on the planning committees of some of the largest events in Cecil County. We have taught free art workshops and volunteered on community art projects. We worked with businesses on a pilot recycling program that kept 550,000 plastic containers out of local landfills. That program lead to us to being advisors and advocates for the EPR law that passed in Maryland. Additionally, we do monthly water testing at Rock Run Park and adopted Rock Run Road. In each of these avenues, we work to educate, create awareness and action for others to join in our mission.
Our Mission
The High 5 Initiative, Inc. is a locally based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to practicing, promoting, and enabling the conservation of nature.
Introducing THE HIGH 5 KAYAK CLUB!
We will be scheduling meetups at public kayak launches throughout boating season where anyone with a kayak, canoe or paddleboard can join us.
Our first meetup will be Memorial Day where we hope to get as far as we can up Furnace Creek during high tide.
For National Trails Day we will lead a guided hike around Beaver Marsh Loop at Elk Neck State Park's Rogues Harbor Area.
The time is scheduled to be able to cross to the beach at low tide where we will do a cleanup and talk about what we find.
We are currently seeking sponsors for the 2025 Cleanup Season! We have multiple tiers available to fit your needs. Reach out to Phil@TheHigh5Initiative.com for more details on how you can help our waterways!
The High 5 Initiative is seeking kayaks in good working condition for community members to use for our cleanup initiative and kayak club!
Whether you’re getting a new kayak or just want to clear some space in your garage, donating your kayak is a fantastic way to make a positive impact.
We are also looking for a kayak trailer, life jackets and paddles.
We can arrange pickup in Cecil County. All donations are tax deductible.
SAVE THE DATES!
We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon!
You can find more information about each cleanup here!
We Made the News!
Check out these local stories about our organization!
Chesapeake Bay Magazine – Volunteers Get Rare Glimpse of Endangered Turtles Hatching
Cecil Whig – Rainy Beach Clean Up Sweetened by Turtle Hatching
Southern Maryland News – Report Lists Possible Solution to Increasing Threats to Chesapeake Bay
The Shippensburg News-Chronicle / Stream of Consiousness – Kayaking Our Way to Clean Streams
Alliance for the Bay – Kayaking Our Way to Clean Streams
Cecil Whig – Bay Venture Outfitters and High 5 Initiative Partner for Cleanup
Cecil Whig – World Turtle Day in Port Deposit
Chesapeake Bay Magazine – Cleanup by Kayak on North East River
Cecil Whig - High 5 Initiative to Clean Up North East Town Park Saturday
Cecil Whig - Clean up and Green Up is the theme for Saturday
Cecil Whig – High 5 Initiative leads Earth Day Kayak Cleanup in North East
WMDT – Environmental Organizations Hosting Cambridge Creek Kayak Cleanup
Consider Giving 5 to the High 5
We love to have you join us, but if you can't participate, donate! Every dollar counts!
We also have Sponsorship Packages available for the High 5 Cleanup Initiative's 2024 Season. Sign up now to be on our website, posters, as well as options to be on our brochure and even gloves! If you or your business are interested, please reach out to our Executive Director, Phil Ash.
